Pret prepares for veg-only launch

Diane King

Sandwich chain Pret A Manger is planning to open a “vegetarian-only” pop-up in London in June after sales of non-meat products recorded double-digit growth last year.

A Soho branch will become a “no carnivores” outlet for a trial period during the month of June, although the precise location is yet to be revealed.

Speaking to the BBC, Pret A Manger’s chief executive Clive Schleesaid: “Demand for vegetarian foods is growing faster than for meat, but meat remains an important part of the diet.

“We are encouraging vegetarianism because we want to give meat eaters more options. I think vegetarian foods could look better and be better.”

Pret also revealed that avocado was the fastest-growing ingredient in popularity, with five million being consumed over the year. The company also sold 17,000 beets, squash and feta superbowls per week last year.